Before going to Ljubljana I read the the capital city of Slovenia has been called The Paris of Eastern Europe.  

It’s actually in an area often referred to as the Balkans, named for the mountain range. Nestled between Croatia, Italy and Austria, the small country—about the size of New Jersey—is a delightful place to visit. And, yes, Ljubljana has some of the same characteristics as the City of Light. 

Like Paris with it’s Seine River cutting the city into two parts, Ljubljana has a river—Ljubljana River—running in the middle.  It’s a fantastic place for a boat ride. I wondered at all the undeveloped land along the river, musing that someday it would all be built up. 

The fairy-tale feeling city of 300,000 abounds with sidewalk cafes and lots of people  meandering the areas along the river by the famous three bridges. Another bridge is guarded by a dragon, the city symbol, adding to the slightly story book atmosphere. 

I smiled to myself when I saw the swan. King Louis XIV, introduced swans into the Seine in 1676 to encourage strolling along the river’s edge in requisite fashionable finery. 

I was particularly taken with the variety of architecture styles in Ljubljana.  

Because of the influence of different cultures on this charming little city, you can see a variety of styles.  Like in Paris, Art Nouveau is very visible but there are other interesting buildings as well.  

Ljubljana has its famous architect. Jože Plečnik, whose work  I thought was a little odd. 

For example, take a look at this bridge called the Butcher Bridge. I don’t understand the columns either functionally or aesthetically. 

He liked using multiple materials like this building with large blocks of contrasting material sticking out of it.  

Plečnik was thrifty. In this project he repurposed a model of a building as chandelier. 

Speaking of bridges, I noticed the locks on one of them. People do that to symbolize their relationships. These were once done in Paris until the leaders cut them all off saying they were too heavy. 

It’s a tourist friendly city. Like Paris, it is very walkable but if a guest is tired, there is an electric train to hop on to get from here to there.

Ljubljana has its requisite castle, dating back to medieval times.  Most notable to me is the restaurant Strelec in the tower of the castle. It is worth the splurge. I also think  the ceiling of the restored chapel is gorgeous. 

   The city is known for having a strong food culture with fresh seafood, hams, cured meats and a famous sausage. My husband liked the shredded horseradish often served with ham and the salt is said to be coveted by high end eateries from Tokyo to Manhattan. I brought some home to give to foodie friends.  

The castle is located on a hill high above the town. Fortunately a funicular takes folks up for a visit.

All in all, I think it is a city worth checking out. It isn’t over touristed yet. In fact, whenever I tell someone we spent three days in Ljubljana, I get a blank look. “Where is that?” I’m frequently asked.  

It’s a hop, skip and jump from Italy and just north of Croatia on the Adriatic Sea. Ljubljana is a great starting point for exploring the wonders of Slovenia.  Come back to DesignDestinations for more about the country and reasons why one might consider a visit

Wondering  how to pronounce Ljubljana?

loo·blee·aa·nuh